Bills' head coach Sean McDermott confirms suspicions about rookie getting first career start against Houston

Earlier in the week, with starting safety Taylor Rapp in the concussion protocol, it became clear that his availability for Sundays' matchup with the Houston Texans was very much in doubt. All eyes turned to rookie safety Cole Bishop , and speculation began that he could be in store for an increased role.

It's more than that. With Rapp out this week, Bishop is being tabbed as the starter opposite Damar Hamlin in the defensive backfield going against one of the best passing attacks in the league.

Talk about baptism by fire.

It's been clear over the last two weeks that Bishop is climbing the depth char t. Veteran safety Mike Edwards has been a healthy scratch while Bishop has been active. Bishop is an athletic safety that can play down in the box or deep in a split safety look, which is something the Bills utilize heavily. Buffalo loves to have safeties with versatility, which he has plenty of. Through two appearances, Bishop has played 11 snaps at free safety, six in the box, and three in the slot.

Bishop and the secondary are going to have their hands full. Fortunately, Christian Benford is playing at an all-pro level on the outside, but Rasul Douglas has been a bit slow out of the gate. So far, he's allowing a career-high 111.2 passer rating allowed, but he's also hardly getting targeted. According to PFF, Douglas saw no targets go his way last week, and he has allowed only 68 receiving yards on the season.

Buffalo's pass defense has been their strength, but it will be put to the test in dramatic fashion on Sunday. Bishop will look to prove early that he not only belongs in the starting lineup, but that he's capable of making the type of plays that the Bills have been missing from the safety position through the first month of the season.

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Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp .